International comparators of widening participation to and through higher education
Australian higher education (HE) has been used as one of several models to reshape higher education in England. This report, based on a study visit conducted in March 2005, draws out HE practice in Australia with particular reference to social equity. It examines the income contingent fee policy which has been operating in Australia since 1989 and assesses its impact on social equity. It also draws comparisons between British HE outreach and student success strategies and those employed in Australia. The research suggests that income-contingent fees do not seem to affect student decisions in taking on or not taking on HE level study. However the report also highlights that, whilst they have not decreased, numbers of people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds in Australian HE have not increased either. The report argues that the equity agenda has not significantly moved forward in Australia, and retention is a real concern. The report suggests that lessons from the UK could provide some solutions for issues facing HE in Australia.
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